The North Texas Film Critics Association is proud to announce their Best of 2014 and winners in eleven categories…

The coming-of-age drama BOYHOOD was voted as the best film of 2014, according to the results of its annual critics’ poll which was released today.

The finalized list of the top 10 films of the year were WHIPLASH (2), THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (3), BIRDMAN (4), THE IMITATION GAME (5), GONE GIRL (6), THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (7), NIGHTCRAWLER (8), CHEF (9) and INTERSTELLAR (10).

Jake Gyllenhaal was voted Best Actor for NIGHTCRAWLER. Runners-up included Eddie Redmayne for THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (2), Benedict Cumberbatch for THE IMITATION GAME (3), Michael Keaton for BIRDMAN (4) and David Oyelowo for SELMA (5).

For Best Actress, Rosamund Pike was the winner for GONE GIRL. Runners-up included Reese Witherspoon for WILD (2), Felicity Jones for THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (3), Amy Adams for BIG EYES (4) and Julianne Moore for STILL ALICE (5).

In the Best Supporting Actor category, the winner was J.K. Simmons for WHIPLASH. He was followed by Edward Norton for BIRDMAN (2), Ethan Hawke for BOYHOOD (3), Mark Ruffalo for FOXCATCHER (4) and Tom Wilkinson for SELMA (5).

In the Best Supporting Actress category, the winner was Patricia Arquette for BOYHOOD. Runners-up were Emma Stone for BIRDMAN (2), Keira Knightley for THE IMITATION GAME (3), Jessica Chastain for A MOST VIOLENT YEAR (4) and Tilda Swinton for SNOWPIERCER (5).

Best Director went to Richard Linklater for BOYHOOD. Alejandro González Iñárritu was next for BIRDMAN (2), Wes Anderson for THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (3), Damien Chazelle for WHIPLASH (4) and Joon-ho Bong for SNOWPIERCER (5).

The Best Foreign Language film of the year was awarded to IDA. Second place was a three way tie between (in alphabetical order) ACCUSED, FORCE MAJEURE and WINTER SLEEP (2) and rounding out the list, WILD TALES (5).

LIFE ITSELF won Best Documentary followed by CITIZENFOUR (2), SUPERMENSCH: THE LEGEND OF SHEP GORDON (3) JODOROWSKY’S DUNE (4) and THE CASE AGAINST 8 (5).

THE LEGO MOVIE was named the Best Animated film of 2014, with HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (2), THE BOOK OF LIFE (3) and BIG HERO 6 (4).

The award for Best Cinematography went to Hoyte Van Hoytema for INTERSTELLAR. This was followed by Emmanuel Lubezki for BIRDMAN (2) and Roger Deakins for UNBROKEN (3).

This is the first year that the North Texas Film Critics Association has given an award for Best Ensemble Cast. It was awarded to BIRDMAN followed by THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (2) and BOYHOOD (3).

The North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) is an unincorporated, members-only organization of print, broadcast and internet film reviewers serving the North Texas area. The association was founded in 2005 and consists of a group of twelve film critics. For more information, visit www.northtexasfilmcritics.com.

15-year-old Gary (Tye Sheridan) is desperate to find work so that he may be able to take care of his sister and mother who live in squalor. His abusive, alcoholic father lends no helping hand to his family, as he is lazy and only thinks to provide for himself. Luck briefly turns around when Gary begins working for Joe (Nicholas Cage), an ex-con who has gone straight but is still haunted by his past. Nicholas Cage gives one of the best performances of his career and Tye Sheridan continues to impress as a young actor on the rise. Though the film barely saw the light of day in theaters, it remains to be one of the most powerful dramas of 2014.

9. The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars goes beyond a Nicholas Sparks romance. There is more here than just an illness or cheesy one-liners. This film portrays a genuine love story that isn’t forced or dramatized. From the moment Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort) meet, you can tell you’re about to witness something special. I’d be lying if I said I rarely cry during movies, I do cry, but this is the first time I have balled my eyes out over watching a beautiful relationship and wanting that kind of “true love.”

8. Neighbors

As far as the best “laugh out loud” comedy goes, Neighbors wins by a landslide. It is the only film this year that had my ribs hurting from laughing so hard. What is most satisfying about this film is how it is more than just a hilarious slapstick comedy. There is heart and a sense of authenticity. A lot of us are afraid to grow up. It can feel as though we will be missing out on “the party,” but Neighbors shows us that in reality, your life and how you choose to live it can be the most legendary party that never ends.

7. The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson has been on a roll for several years now, with stop motion animation, a childhood romance, and now, his biggest and boldest film yet. The Grand Budapest Hotel follows the adventures of Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars. And Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

6. Gone Girl

Every year I look forward to the “dark mystery drama” that will keep me on the edge of my seat, dying to know what will happen next, and eventually leave me with a satisfying conclusion. Last year that film was Prisoners, this year it’s Gone Girl. Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel is masterfully directed with a mix of satire and menace by David Fincher. Ben Affleck gives his best performance yet, and Rosamund Pike shines as the conniving yet brilliant “Amazing Amy.”

5.Guardians of the Galaxy

There is not much explanation needed for why Guardians of the Galaxy is placed so high on my list, simply watch the film and be blown away by a witty cast, exciting adventure, and Groot!

4. Boyhood

Richard Linklater has made cinematic history with a true coming-of-age story. Linklater filmed over 12 consecutive years to chart the growth of a boy into a young man. As you watch Mason (Coltrane) and his family through the years, you can’t help but reflect back on your own life journey.

3.The Guest

Last year, Wingard brought us the ingenious You’re Next, which like The Guest, is a horror that calmly lets things escalate to a state of restless violence. Wingard and Barrett have admirably paid homage to the old-school slashers with their John Carpenter-influenced 1980’s styling. From their music, to their by the numbers outline that follows the rules of the usual scary movies. The Guest may welcome audiences to a familiar plot, but there is enough gusto in this story that makes for a surprisingly, hell of a good time!

2. Whiplash

It’s a simple story. An ambitious student continuously tries to excel in his music school and impress the prominent drum teacher. Miles Teller and J.K. Simons take their characters beyond the cliché student teacher stereotypes. J.K. Simmons as Fletcher is one of the most terrifying villains I’ve seen in years. With heart pounding performances, a perfectly paced story, and a jaw-dropping, exhilarating conclusion, Whiplash is a phenomenal film that came very close to nabbing the top spot.

1. Obvious Child

I could go on for days raving about this film, sharp script, break out performance by Jenny Slate, and the most endearing on-screen romance. Gentlemen, take note: Always warm the butter for your date’s bread. Though Obvious Child deals with a sensitive subject that most people have strong opinions on, it is important to understand that there is so much more to this story. It’s about finally facing the reality of being independent for the first time. Donna (Slate) must make tough decisions that she would otherwise avoid. Like the film quote says “creative energy can sometimes come at the lowest point your life.” Regardless of the circumstances, audiences can relate to this film when reflecting on a dark time that forced you to start over.

Honorable Mentions:Babadook, X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Skeleton Twins, The Lego Movie, Birdman, Chef, Rosewater, The One I Love

Bottom 5

5. Think Like a Man Too
4. When the Game Stands Tall
3. Heaven is for Real
2. Are you Here
1. The Other Woman

Thanksgiving is tomorrow! Besides watching football and spending time with family, we will also be stuffing our faces. If you’re looking to get that hunger started and ready for a turkey day feast, then be sure to watch my top 5 most appetizing scenes from films!

5. Honey I Shrunk the Kids– Cookie Scene

After Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis) accidentally shrinks his son, daughter and two other neighborhood teens, the children end up taking a long sweaty, dirty, journey in the backyard trying to get home. It’s a rough voyage without food or water. So when the four kids stumble upon a giant oatmeal cream pie, we’re not only relieved for them; we’re wishing we too could be scooping gallops of cream on our cookies.

Nothing makes the hunger grow fonder than being under a certain influence. Once Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) make it their mission to have some White Castle burgers, the audience must endure an endless amount of ridiculous obstacles which creates anxiety and angers our stomachs. Spoiler Alert: When the two finally make it to White Castle, the concluding gorge is deliciously satisfying.

3. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory– “Pure Imagination” Scene

Let’s face it, as a kid (hell, even as an adult) we wished we could have tasted the scenery of this factory. Chocolate waterfalls, giant gummy bears, and even an editable tea cup flower! “If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it”—Valid lyrics toward an epic scene, because we can only hope that Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory is a replica of heaven. Until then, visits to underwhelming candy stores will have to do.

2. Hook– The Imaginary Dinner Scene

As we ache for Peter (Robbin Williams) and these children, our stomachs begin to growl watching a character that is starving get taunted by children mock eating invisible food. Thankfully, we receive a massive payoff when Spielberg pulls the camera back to reveal a real-life spread of piping hot meats, fruits, cheeses and colorful pudding-type desserts.
This scene is quickly followed by an unforgettable food fight.

1. Chef– Grilled Cheese Sandwich Scene

Most of you haven’t heard of this movie and might be wondering why a film released just this year has landed in the top spot. Chef is the definition of food porn! I challenge anyone to see this movie and not feel tormented by the close up shots of Chef Carl Casper’s (Jon Favreau) delectable dishes. This entire film features continuous scenes of enticing meals, but the masterful preparation of a simple grilled cheese will make you long for that very sandwich. Watching the Chef and his son take a crunchy, cheese-oozing bite, gets your mouth watering and leaves your taste buds in envy.

I continuously tell people that The Alamo Drafthouse has the best food out of any dine-in theater. I just assumed the food was good because of their tasty, unique dishes. Plus unlike some theaters, they will modify your meals. But the secret ingredient behind the Alamo’s delectable creations is Dusty Patek (Bar manager and creator of menu).

For the few of you who have seen Chef, Dusty is like our local Carl Casper! He has a strong passion for food and continues to push outside the box with his recipes. This shows through in his inspiring menu.

Glass Half Full, which is the bar located in The Alamo, has launched a new lunch menu with a variety of quality items that everyone can enjoy. Here are just a few of the many new choices that stood out.

Soups

A thick, hearty tomato basil soup served in a bread bowl, made from scratch.

Quite possibly the best French onion soup I have ever had. Best of all, both soups are served with a side of pasta salad that is bursting with flavor. Pasta salads tend to be bland, but the Glass Half Full changes that stereotype with some chopped cucumber, feta cheese, and whatever delicious dressing that has been tossed in.

French Onion Soup served with side of pasta salad

Salads & Wraps

All salads can be made into a wrap and you can add grilled chicken, steak, or tofu.

MY FAVORITE MENU ITEM!!! Mexican- Mixed Greens, Romaine Hearts, Avocado, Jicama, Cotija, Tortilla Crisps, Red Onion, Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette. I wish I had a suitable picture to show you but, sadly, this salad was devoured before I could take one. It is recommended to add chicken, but I would be fine with just a tub as is.